However, ANZ bucked the trend, slipping 29 cents to $27.77 after reporting statutory unaudited net profit of $1.36 billion for the three months to December 31, down from $1.7 billion in the prior corresponding period.

‘‘The results were actually not that bad, however, the market has concentrated on some small misses and sold ANZ down,’’ IG market strategist Stan Shamu said in a research note.

Also having a bad day were metals and minerals stocks (down 1.11 per cent) and the materials sector (down 1.07 per cent).

Rio Tinto backpedalled $1.92, or 2.66 per cent, at $70.15 the day after reporting a $US2.99 billion ($A2.90 billion) net loss for calendar 2012, due to $US14.4 billion ($A13.98 billion) in recent writedowns.

In percentage terms, Rio was the worst-performing stock on the S&P/ASX20.BHP Billiton slid 30 cents to $38.59.

‘‘At times this week the Australian sharemarket has exhibited juggernaut-like qualities, however the results from both RIO and ANZ gave investors just cause to ease back on the throttle today,’’ CMC Markets senior trader Tim Waterer said in a research note.

‘‘The stellar earnings reports from earlier in the week meant there was plenty of room for the market to be underwhelmed by what followed, which goes towards explaining the more lethargic tone struck by the AX200 to cap off the week.’’

The spot price of gold in Sydney was at $US1,633.10 per fine ounce, down $US13.30 from Thursday’s local close of $US1,646.40 per ounce.